Lamb-and-Apricot Tagine with Almond Couscous

Tagines are one-pot wonders: lots of ingredients but not so much work, and the stews always have layers of flavor.
Slideshow: More Lamb Recipes

Tagines are one-pot wonders: lots of ingredients but not so much work, and the stews always have layers of flavor.
Slideshow: More Lamb Recipes

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Ingredients

TAGINE

2 pounds tomatoes

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

5 pounds lamb shanks, cut in half crosswise

Kosher salt

Pepper

1 large onion, finely chopped

2 carrots, finely chopped

6 garlic cloves, finely chopped

1 teaspoon ground ginger

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

Two 3-inch cinnamon sticks

2 cups dry red wine

4 cups chicken stock

1/2 cup chopped parsley

1/2 cup chopped cilantro, plus leaves for garnish

3/4 pound dried apricots

1/4 cup honey

One 19-ounce can chickpeas, drained

COUSCOUS

2 cups couscous

4 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth

Kosher salt

Pepper

2/3 cup chopped roasted almonds

2 tablespoons chopped parsley

How to Make It

Step 1 Make the Tagine

Score an X on the bottom of each tomato. In a large pot of boiling water, blanch the tomatoes just until the skins shrivel, about 30 seconds. Remove the tomatoes and let cool slightly, then peel and finely chop.

Step 2 Make the Tagine

In a large enameled cast-iron casserole, heat the olive oil. Season the lamb shanks with salt and pepper and cook over moderately high heat, turning, until golden brown all over, about 5 minutes. Transfer the lamb to a baking sheet.

Step 3 Make the Tagine

Add the onion, carrots, garlic, ginger, cumin, turmeric and cinnamon sticks to the pot and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until the onion is golden and softened, about 8 minutes. Add the lamb shanks and wine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes, stock, parsley and cilantro and return to a simmer. Cover and cook gently until the lamb is almost tender, about 1½ hours. Add the apricots and honey to the tagine and cook until the lamb is very tender, about 30 minutes longer. Discard the cinnamon sticks. Stir in the chickpeas and season with salt and pepper. '

Step 4 Meanwhile, Make the Couscous

Put the couscous in a large heatproof bowl. In a medium saucepan, bring the stock to a simmer and season with salt and pepper. Pour the hot stock over the couscous and stir well. Cover with plastic wrap and let stand until all the stock has been absorbed and the couscous is tender, about 30 minutes. Fluff the couscous with a fork and stir in the almonds and parsley.